Dense-Pac Plans Small Increase in Work Force

Computer memory chip packager Dense-Pac Microsystems Inc., offering a sliver of bullish news in the beleaguered technology sector, said it plans a modest increase in its work force as part of a recent uptick in business.

Its shares climbed more than 29%, or 59 cents a share, to close at $2.60 on Nasdaq. The stock traded as high as $17.69 last July.

The Garden Grove company said it plans to hire six to 10 factory employees, the result of an agreement worth more than $850,000 to provide a major computer maker with memory stack products. Dense-Pac would not identify the customer.